About the Minnesota Timberwolves (19-31)

The Minnesota Timberwolves haven’t lived up to their preseason expectations. Many saw them as a rising playoff team. Heck, some had them in the playoffs over the Grizzlies! Absurd, I know.

Let’s crash back to reality and realize that they’re very young. Their talented trio of Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine, each 21 years of age, have plenty of room to grow. Coach Tim Thibodeau is making sure that this growth happens quickly.

Towns, Wiggins and LaVine play over 36 minutes a night. While they’re all young, Thibs is notorious for overworking his players.

Other than their youth, their depth is a huge weakness. Rookie Kris Dunn just isn’t ready. Aside from Shabazz Muhammed, there aren’t really any reliable options off the bench.

As Chandler Parsons and Brandan Wright return to full-time minutes, the Grizzlies must continue to rack up wins in order to move up the standings. After blowing easy wins against the Lakers, Bulls and Clippers (without Blake or CP3), the Grizzlies showed their ability to put weaker teams away by pounding the Suns and the Nuggets.

If the Memphis Grizzlies could move their way towards a more favorable matchup, their road to Western Conference Finals would become a tad smoother.

1. The role players must come through

Each night, you know Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are going to produce. Zach Randolph is reliable as well. However, the role players need to step up.

Against the Thunder, aside from Parsons, the “Core 4” had zero help at all. JaMychal Green (zero points) and James Ennis (five points) got into foul trouble, fouling out in 24 minutes. Vince Carter scored seven points but was a -6 on the court.

This game is a perfect opportunity for Gasol and Conley to get a breather – especially since they got San Antonio and Golden State next week. In order to make next week somewhat easier, the role players need to come through and lift the burden off their stars.

2. Control the pace

The Memphis Grizzlies can’t get in a running match with Minnesota.

Ricky Rubio is one of the best transition passers in basketball. If you aren’t paying attention, Andrew Wiggins or Zach LaVine will put you on the wrong side of a vine.

In order for the Grizzlies come out on top, they need to force Minnesota to beat them in the half-court.